KALAHEO — A pair of three-balls pulled the Kauai Lynx into the winner’s circle, 21-10, Thursday night during the championship match for the county’s Youth Spring Basketball League, Division 2, or players in grades 6, 7, and 8, at the
KALAHEO — A pair of three-balls pulled the Kauai Lynx into the winner’s circle, 21-10, Thursday night during the championship match for the county’s Youth Spring Basketball League, Division 2, or players in grades 6, 7, and 8, at the Kalaheo Neighborhood Center.
The Lynx, coached by Clarence Sales, faced off against the hard-playing Kaulupono with coach Bobby Kamakele at its helm in a strong defensive battle.
Amalya Sales’ bucket in the opening frame put the Lynx on the board while its defense shut down Kaulupono for an early 3-0 lead following the first five minutes of play.
Hazel Serapio answered for Kaulupono with a long ball, but the Lynx defense limited the blueshirts to seven points in the first half as the Lynx went to the break with a 11-7 lead behind treys from Sales and Katrina Cadiz.
“Our balls just weren’t dropping, tonight,” Kamakele said.
Cadiz led in the fourth period with four of the Lynx’s eight points while limiting Kaulupono to just three second half points — all coming in the sixth period on the free throw line.
Sales and Cadiz topped the Lynx scoring with seven points apiece, followed by Angeline Nizo and Bailey Perreira each notching pairs. Zoe Santa Maria and Jessica Cezar each added one point.
Kaulupono scoring was limited to Braelyn Cayaban netting six points, Serapio’s three-ball in the second period and a digit from Anyia Cromartie.
“I’m proud of how these girls played,” Sales said. “They’ve been together since the fifth grade. Now, they’re in the eighth grade and they communicate well on the court.”
With the victory, Kauai Lynx claims the championship trophy for the girls Division 2. The championship was sweetened the squad received the Sportsmanship award.
Kaulupono, in addition to receiving the runner-up trophy, received the Participation award for having the most players, including new players, in the league.
Liliya Cummings scored 12 points and Tasia Kamoku added nine points to lead the Ballers, coached by Ron Miura, to a 30-17 win over the Dream Girls with Luther Yam at the coaches’ box for third place.
Kiani Pia-Salvador led the Dream Girls’ effort with six points. Taeshi Largusa added four points and Alexie Ann Yam peeled off a three-ball.
Earlier in the week, Na Koa claimed the boys Division 2 title with a 36-25 win over the Lihue Warriors on Tuesday night at the Kalaheo Neighborhood Center.
“We finally beat Hanakila,” said Curtis Broyles, whose son Mason played on the Sonics. He was watching the girls championship games.
“This was a tough game, but we did it by one point, 47-46,” he said.
The one-point edge earned the Sonics third-place honors as well as the league’s Sportsmanship award. Hanakila finished in fourth place and was presented the Participation award.
